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Preventing Food Allergies

Could your child be allergic to certain foods? Here’s what you need to know.

by: Joey Shulman

ood allergies can be an underlying cause of many childhood illnesses such as skin ailments, digestive issues or respiratory problems, but in many cases you can minimize, or even prevent, the onset of an allergic response. Here's what you need to know about food allergies:

What is a food allergy?

An allergic response to food occurs when the body identifies an otherwise harmless food as a dangerous invader and creates an outpouring of antibodies in response. True food allergies are rare and appear in less than one percent of the population (many more may have intolerances or sensitivities). Allergies usually occur in early childhood but they can appear at any age. Many children will outgrow their allergy to milk, egg, wheat and soy by avoiding the offending food(s). Allergies to nuts and shellfish, however, tend to be lifelong.

Allergic reactions fall into two categories: immediate and delayed reactions.

Immediate allergic reactions can occur within minutes of your child eating a food she is allergic to. Symptoms include wheezing, skin rashes and excess mucous production. In rare situations (just three percent of allergic reactions), immediate allergic reactions can be life-threatening (anaphylactic) due to the constriction of airways.

An example of an anaphylactic allergic response is when a child's throat begins to close after she's eaten a peanut. If your child suffers from anaphylactic reactions, she should always carry an EpiPen (a shot of epinephrine that is injected into the skin) in case of emergencies.

Delayed allergic response can occur anywhere from one hour to several days after contact with an allergen. Due to the delayed appearance of symptoms, these food allergies are more difficult to detect.

Allergic symptoms

Symptoms of allergies can include one or more of the following:

Hives, wheezing, a hoarse voice, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, difficulty swallowing, itchiness, nasal congestion, runny nose, swelling, and shortness of breath.

Common food allergens

Eight foods are responsible for 90% of all food allergies. These include:

1. peanuts
2. tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.)
3. fish
4. shellfish
5. eggs
6. milk
7. soy
8. wheat

Is your child at risk of developing food allergies?   

The odds of your child developing an allergic response to specific foods are higher if:

• A sibling or parent suffers from allergies.
• She has other allergic type symptoms or disorders, such as asthma or eczema.
• Her parents or siblings have asthma or eczema.
• She is sensitive to formula.

How to beat food allergies

Studies show there are steps you can take to delay, or prevent, the onset of allergic responses:

• Breastfeed your child for a minimum of six months if possible. If you do supplement with formula after six months, continue supplement with breast milk if possible. Breast milk offers your child natural immunity and helps the development of the immune and nervous systems.
• Don't introduce cow's milk products until your child is a year old.
• If supplementing with formula, ensure that it is hypoallergenic and completely hydrolyzed (meaning the proteins have been broken down).
• Delay the introduction of solid foods until your infant is at least six months old. Introduce new foods one at a time so that if your child does have a reaction, you'll know which food is the culprit. 
• Don't introduce eggs whites until your child is at least one year old.
• Don't introduce peanuts or shellfish until your child is two years old.
• Eat organic fruits and vegetables (plant nutrients offer protection against allergies and associated symptoms).

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's diet, talk to your pediatrician or nutritionist.

Meet our Expert:

Dr. Joey Shulman DC, Registered Nutritionist, is a successful author and a dynamic and outgoing speaker on health and wellness. She is also the head nutritionist for Sweetpea Baby Food and is dedicated to pediatric healthcare from an early age.